Bangkok, Thailand Report of what it's like to live there - 03/03/25
Personal Experiences from Bangkok, Thailand
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, we were in South America before this assignment.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
DC, it is about a 8 hour flight to qatar followed by a 12 hour flight to DC. Not too bad. Qatar Air has regular flights.
3. What years did you live here?
2024 - 2026
4. How long have you lived here?
Three months into a two year tour.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic Mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Modern downtown apartment. Building has plenty of amenities including: gym, pool, tennis court, basketball court. The building also offers a tuk tuk service that can take you to the mall, metro station or supermarket. There are two different apartment options depending on family size, singles and no children are in a 3 bedroom option and families are in 4 to 5 bedroom options. There are also options of stand alone houses outside the city for families.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find pretty much anything you want/ need with the exception of cheese. It is hard to find good quality cheese and it is expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Anything and everything is available. from US food chains to local Thai vendors. Local Thai food is considerably cheaper than western-style food.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None so far.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO is quick and easy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We have a cleaner once a week for about $200 per month. There are full time cleaners and nannies available. Some families have live-in help. The cost will depend on schedule and duties. Some families have live-in help. The costs will fluctuate between $200 - $600/monthly.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
It is very safe. You would need to go further outside the city to hike. Bike riding is possible, though most people bike in the parks or the Skylane by the airport.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Everything! There are great and not so great gyms and everything in the middle. Nice gyms can be expensive but there are so many options to choose from. There are also parks and other sports facilities available.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes, it is safe and they are accepted everywhere.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Everyone speaks a little bit of English
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You do not need Thai, but it would greatly benefit to learn the basics.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Probably.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
They are both safe and affordable and the metro system is great here.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Any kind of vehicle would be fine. Thailand has great highways connecting the entire country.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
It is readily available, it is usually provided by the building so it is available as soon as you move in.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Get any local plan. They are all good.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
There are good vets everywhere. No quarantine necessary to enter the country.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Most work at post or at the international school. There is no bilateral work agreement so you must get a job that will sponsor your work visa. Outside of the international school it is a long shot.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual at work. Casual outside of work. It is very hot year round and that makes dressing up difficult.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None. There is petty crime like everywhere.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Pollution can be pretty bad.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Not good; a lot of people complain.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Everything has shrimp or shrimp paste so be wary of what you eat if you have a shellfish allergy.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
None that I am aware of, but this is a big post and introverts seem to have a harder time making friends.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Extremely hot year round!
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are several and families tend to be very happy with them.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, families constantly rave about how good the afterschool activities are.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge. There are a lot of long term expats and a lot of people passing through. Thailand gets about 20 million tourists per year. Morale is all over the place as with any city of this size.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are clubs and groups for literally any activity you can think of. Bangkok has something to offer to everyone. You just need to look for and find your niche.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
it is a good city for everyone. Again Bangkok is like any mega city, it is what you make of it.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
It is very easy to be friendly but if you do not have any Thai language it will be difficult to make friends.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I believe so, Thais are very open.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not that I am aware of. There have been issues with some armed groups in the southern provinces but that is very removed from Bangkok.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Getting out of Bangkok and exploring the rest of the country.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Street food, Muay Thai, Buddhist temples, hidden bars and rooftops.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes, people buy all sorts of stuff. You can easily buy too much while here.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It's Bangkok, everyone and their grandma wants to come visit. We have received a lot of visitors so far on this assignment
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
It will be hotter than you expect.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter clothes.
4. But don't forget your:
swimsuits and sunglasses.
